Jermaine Massey recorded an encounter with staff from the DoubleTree in Portland’s Lloyd District. who called police while he was making a phone call in the lobby. His lawyers have now asked the hotel to account for why he was approached -- and subsequently kicked out -- of the hotel when he was a guest there.

“The hotel has requested a private discussion, but Mr. Massey was publicly humiliated,” said a release from Massey’s attorneys. “Therefore, he demands a public statement response.”

Here is the full press release from Massey’s attorneys at the Kafoury & McDougal law firm:

On December 22, 2018, at about 11 p.m., Jermaine Massey was, “calling his mother while black,” from a quiet corner of the lobby of the DoubleTree hotel in Portland, Oregon, when hotel security demanded to know if he was a guest. Mr. Massey replied that he was. The security guard persisted in questioning his presence, even after Mr. Massey presented his hotel key to the guard. When Mr. Massey asked why he was being singled out, security guard Earl Meyers replied that he was a “security threat.” The hotel manager called Portland police, who explained to Mr. Massey that the hotel demanded that he be arrested for trespass if he did not leave the premises. The officers escorted Mr. Massey to his room, where he gathered his personal belongings and left.

The officer offered him a ride, but Mr. Massey explained he had his own car and would drive himself, rather than leave in the back of a police car.

As the video shows, the incident took place in a quiet corner of the hotel lobby which was open to the public. At the time, Mr. Massey was returning a personal phone call from his mother who lives on the East Coast. Why was Mr. Massey approached by security? Why was he interrogated?

The security guard told Mr. Massey that he was a “threat to security,” a statement echoed by the hotel chain’s press release, which states, “Safety and security of our guests and associates is our top priority.” Please explain in detail in what manner Massey was a threat to safety or security.

Once these questions are fully and completely answered, Mr. Massey may be willing to speak publicly on this matter. The hotel has requested a private discussion, but Mr. Massey was publicly humiliated. Therefore, he demands a public statement response.

The press is requested to make all contacts with Mr. Massey through our office. Please respect the privacy of Mr. Massey and his family during this difficult time.